Sweet Ways to Show Your Love

Happy Valentine's Day, lovies (a bit early)! I used to dread this holiday back when I was in high school... and then through most of college, as well. I never seemed to have a boyfriend on February 14, and I remember feeling totally hopeless. (Oh, the dramatics of adolescence and young adulthood!)

I met my husband in my early twenties and things turned around. We celebrated big the first few Februaries we were together, and then settled into a more subdued V-Day routine. Now that we have kids, it's become less about "us" as a couple and more about "us" as a family. In fact, I fully admit that I love this holiday way more with little ones at home. They're so appreciative of every sweet gesture—and let's face it, they're pretty easy to please (one heart-shaped cookie and you're a Valentine's Day hero in my kids' books.)

Of course, I enjoy spoiling them with little trinkets and sweet activities on Valentine's Day, but why stop there? Spread out the sweetness and enjoy this whole "month of love." I have a few simple ideas for showing just how much you care today, tomorrow, and happily ever after.

New Pajamas: Nothing says "snuggle up" like a sweet new pair of pajamas. I snagged these "loved" jam-jams for my tiniest Valentine at Old Navy just a couple of day ago, and I think she'll be pretty much living in them all month.

A Sweet Breakfast: Fret not, you don't have to be a Pinterest-maven in order to make a super sweet and craftily cute breakfast. All you need is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and you're officially in the business of love. Since V-Day falls on a Tuesday, chances are you won't have a lot of time to whip up something more complicated than toast or frozen waffles. A little strawberry jam on heart toast, and my kids will be delighted.

Pick Up a New Book or Read an Oldie: Hop to your local store and snag a book about Valentine's Day, like "The Day It Rained Heart," or "Happy Valentine's Day Mouse," an addition to the beloved "If You Give" series. Or, go with a classic about love, like "I Love You, Stinky Face," about a mother's unconditional love for her child. "Everyone Says I Love You," is a sweet pop-up that teaches kids to say the phrase in multiple languages.

Watch a Movie Together: Curl up on the couch with a big blanket and some popcorn and chocolate (or perhaps a whole pizza pie!), and enjoy a family-friendly flick about love. You can't go wrong with an animated Disney classic like Lady & the Tramp or Beauty and the Beast. Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown will get the kids excited about the special day. Or if they're a bit older, introduce them to The Princess Bride. Snuggling encouraged!

Bake a Treat Together: Get out the mommy-and-me aprons and bake up a goodie for two. I love these organic mixes from foodstirs! They send you a complete kit with all the dry ingredients and creative tools you'll need to make something truly special—and sine they carefully source their ingredients, I feel good about indulging my sweet tooth and spoiling my little loves. The company's mission is to bring families together for quality hands-on fun. And if that's not what Valentine's Day is about, I don't know what is.